The last couple of weeks have been less than memorable for the ongoing soap opera that is Cricket South Africa (CSA), but there are lessons to be learnt amongst despite the turmoil, writes Ravi Reddy.

We had witnessed various players coming forward and share their stories of mistreatment, mismanagement and bared witness to the draconian culture that existed behind closed doors. 

What has certainly been refreshing was meeting various legends that have served the game of cricket as players, administrators, commentators and journalists. Admittedly, in lieu of the BLM movement, my perspective and understanding of cricket in South Africa changed dramatically hearing the stories from players of colour in particular.

I often questioned why black players (African, Indian and coloured people) were given a raw deal. In addition to this, I wondered if the situation has changed post the 1994 democratic elections in South Africa. I was living in a rainbow nation, somewhat impenetrable bubble. This was until Thami Tsolekile re-entered the gauntlet. 

There is no doubt, that Tsolekile himself had a sordid past and damaged love affairs with both cricket and hockey in the South African landscape. A highly talented young player from Langa was pitted as a legend in the making.

He was also considered a super leader at SA school and provincial levels. He came very close to getting a well-deserved shot when requested to join the proteas team during the 2012 tour of England, after Mark Boucher’s tragic accident during a tour match.

Unfortunately, a revised strategy was implemented resulting in AB de Villiers taking the gloves. The tour of Australia was exactly the same and added to Tsoelikiles already aggravated frustration.

The SA dream came crashing down in the 2015/16 domestic season when Tsolekilewas branded a ring leader in addition to Gulam Bodi for a match-fixing scandal involving the Ram Slam T20 competition. There was no question, the public was divided.

Why is it that as South Africans we look at things or items from extremes? Yes, Thami broke the law and this was a criminal act. Judge Ngoepe provided a ruling after a lengthy investigation a little over 4 years ago. But the criminal activity does not negate the right for Thami to tell his story.

South African Cricket fans have a tendency to get defensive when one of the greatest legends in the game, Graeme Smith was labelled as unfair and unjust. 

Every person in society is flawed from the Pope to Presidential candidate Joe Biden. Given this, Graeme Smith should be no different. Below is his statement in response to the recent allegations made by Tsolekile:

Full statement:

Graeme Smith is the greatest captain South Africa having played 109 Tests as a skipper, winning 53 Tests, 27 draws and 29 losses.

Smith played a role in transforming the team to a much more competitive, match-winning outfit. Our away records in Australia and England, in particular, were superb since his tenure.

However, was the pursuit of a highly competitive Proteas team coming at a cost? Which of the players of colour missed out a deserved opportunity in representing South Africa? Why were their degrees of alienation and distancing placed on certain individuals? 

Perhaps most importantly, Is there a possibility that the Proteas would have been as successful had Thami been given a regular place in the test team? 

The “he said-he said” battle will only come to an end once a formal dialogue has been opened up. The objective is to not only
Give Tsolekile closure or retribution, but to prevent these injustices from ever happening to any player again.

As for Smith, this is a golden opportunity to become an even greater leader through understanding and humility setting a much-needed precedent in a failing CSA.

Sound off your comments below! 

Yours in peace, love and cricket.

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